Carnival of the Animals

Montana Ballet Company (MBC), under the direction of Elizabeth DeFanti and Amy Lynn Stoddart announces its First Annual Carnival of the Animals on Saturday, February 23 at The Emerson Cultural Center's Crawford Theatre. This production is generously sponsored by the Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company.

On the heels of sold out performances of its 29th Annual Nutcracker, Montana Ballet Company is thrilled to begin a new Bozeman tradition that will delight children and adults alike.  Carnival of the Animals, set to Saint-Saens famous score, brings to life an endearing menagerie of animals. Dance enthusiasts will recognize the famous "Dying Swan" originally choreographed by Mikhail Fokine in 1905 for acclaimed ballerina Anna Pavlova to the cello solo.

MBC is excited to collaborate with esteemed musicians Julia Cory, Craig Hall, and Britt Smith, the MSU Cello Ensemble, and the Kamarata String Quartet for this production. Bozeman School's Fine Arts Supervisor, Renée Westlake, will enchant audiences with the narrative poetic accompaniment written by Ogden Nash. Also, MBC with Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter will have animals available for adoption in advance of this performance, hoping to find homes for animals while celebrating the diversity and wonder of the animal kingdom through dance.

As a special treat, there will be pre-show children's activities such as face painting, animal balloons and more from 3 - 4 PM in the Emerson Ballroom. And bring in your Carnival of the Animals ticket to the Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company and receive 20% off any item.